In Brief
Dr. Shobha Nelson and her husband, both doctors in Madhya Pradesh government service, left for Zanzibar in 1975 on deputation without formal permission. They returned and submitted a joining report in 1991, but were only allowed to rejoin in January 1996. The High Court had limited their benefits to 20 per cent of salary. The Supreme Court held that as their employment was never terminated, they should be deemed in service from 13.08.1991 (the joining report date) with full benefits until superannuation. The period in Zanzibar counts towards pension only, with no salary for that time. The respondent was held responsible for administrative delays in issuing joining orders despite tribunal directions.
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